Slovenia. In a state of emergency due to the coronavirus epidemic and with the appeal to stay at home, a sense of confusion, bewilderment, and insecurity is perceived in the inter-parochial communities.

To limit the spread of the coronavirus, the Episcopal Conference of Slovenia has decided to cancel all religious rites, including Holy Masses. Weddings and baptisms will be postponed, funeral masses prohibited, which must take place in accordance with the directives of the competent Authorities. Priests will celebrate the Holy Masses in private, and in the absence of the faithful.

The Conference of Religious of Slovenia welcoming the invitation of Jesus “Give them something to eat yourself …!” and responding to government and ecclesial directives, has organized a telephone pastoral consultancy service.

Female and male religious communities have made their time available to listen to people, encourage them, and pray with them.

The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians from St. Mary of Brezje Province (SLC) are involved: the Provincial, Sr. Marija Simenc, was called to coordinate the initiative promoted by the Conference and four FMA Communities are engaged in the service of listening.

The initiative began on March 20, 2020, with publication on digital media, via radio, and in the Catholic weekly.